Abstract

This research examines the cultural, economic, and social practices that the unemployed residents of the Finglas Partnership Area in Dublin took into consideration when deciding to accept or reject job offers in 1993-1994. Two distinct albeit complementary techniques of research were adopted. Firstly, Personal Construct Theory was used to address the problem of observer bias and difficulties of discounting professionals' paradigms when investigating attitudes. The combined repertory grid responses from a group of long term unemployed subjects, was compiled to form the core of a questionnaire. Secondly the questionnaire was administered to 334 residents from the defined area with a population of 4500. The study consists of a Literature Review of work; empirical views of the Long Term Unemployed and a Social Survey.

The evidence of the survey is that two of three persons would not accept wages equal to their social welfare benefits. Also, because being unemployed carries no stigma, and secure in the intuitive knowledge of the culturally prevailing practices, job offers can be accepted or rejected without loss of community respect. Self-interest is bolstered and socially approved by the community practice of the individuals putting their own circumstances first. The crucial factor that the unemployed consider when evaluating a job or training opportunity is whether the offer is to their advantage strictly in cash terms. The study draws conclusions and reflects on how the LTU as agents relate to structures in society and how the coping practices that have evolved are a reflection of the perceived rule breaking behaviour of other socially successful groups.

A further finding of the research is that young persons displayed a keen awareness of the relationship between paid work and self-esteem as well as a marked reluctance to do unpaid voluntary work. The survey also identified that there has been a trend of changing social attitudes across three generations about the role of work in relation to the quality of life that is now expected as a right.